1. Fake offers and discounts
«demasiado buenos para ser ciertos» During Black Friday, many deals on popular products such as phones, video game consoles and branded clothing typically attract millions of shoppers. Taking advantage of this expectation, scammers create ads with incredibly attractive offers, which often arrive through social networks, text messages or emails.
2. Fraudulent gift cards
Another common trick during this time is fake gift cards. Criminals send text messages or emails offering gift cards with deep discounts or bonuses, especially from well-known brands or fashion stores. When the user clicks on the link or attempts to “redeem” the card, they are usually redirected to a fraudulent site or their device becomes infected with malware, malicious software that allows attackers to access their data and, in some cases, perform unauthorized purchases.
3. Fake e-commerce websites
In the days leading up to Black Friday, many websites emerge that copy the look and feel of legitimate e-commerce platforms. These pages offer products at very low prices, seeking to hook buyers. By entering payment details or personal information, the user not only loses money, but also puts their information at risk of falling into the hands of scammers.
4. “Failed delivery” messages
or pending orders In times of massive purchases, it is common to receive notifications of shipments or deliveries. Scammers take advantage of this circumstance to send text messages or emails posing as courier companies. In these messages, they inform that a package is pending delivery and ask the user to click on a link to “confirm the address” or “pay an outstanding balance.” The link, however, redirects to a fake site that requests personal data or financial information. In some cases, the goal of the link is to install malware on the user’s device.
5. Phishing: suspicious emails and messages
Phishing is a scam technique widely used on Black Friday, as scammers use seemingly legitimate emails that pretend to be from well-known stores or banks. These emails usually contain links or attachments that, when clicked or downloaded, compromise the security of your device. In addition to impersonating stores, cybercriminals also imitate banks or payment services, asking the user to enter access data to their account to “confirm a purchase” or “verify a payment.” Safety Tip: Don’t open attachments or click on links in suspicious emails. Remember that banks and stores will never ask for your personal information by mail. If you have questions, go to the official website or contact the entity directly.
6. Misleading advertising and inflated prices
A common strategy during Black Friday is misleading advertising, in which the prices of some products are pre-inflated to make the discount appear greater than it really is. This is particularly common in social media ads or pop-ups that appear while you browse. Many users believe they are getting a big discount, when in reality the final price is the same as the original or even higher. Safety tip: Before making a purchase, compare prices on different websites and check other users’ opinions. This will help you ensure that you are getting a good deal and not an inflated price.
To avoid falling victim to scams during Black Friday, follow these additional tips: Review URLs and security protocol: Avoid entering data on sites that do not include the “https” prefix and the lock icon in the address bar. Buy only on trusted sites: Make your purchases on well-known sites or online stores with a good reputation. Make sure the domain name matches the brand name.
Protect your personal data: If a site requests more information than necessary for a purchase, be wary. For example, identification numbers or date of birth are generally not required to process a purchase. Use secure payment methods: Credit cards often have fraud protection policies, which provides an extra layer of security.
Avoid making payments through bank transfers or unknown payment services. Check reviews and return policy: Read other users’ opinions about the store and make sure the store offers a clear return policy in case of problems.
This Black Friday, offers will be everywhere, and so will scammers. Being an informed and cautious buyer is the key to avoiding falling into fraud. Keep an eye out for warning signs and follow these tips to make your purchases safely. With a little caution and verification, you can enjoy the best deals of the season without compromising your security, personal data, or money.
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